No one knows what the future holds. But the Crystal Cabin Awards offer a big hint for the world of aircraft interiors. Held in conjunction with the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, and back at full strength after a two year hiatus, this year’s CCA winners touch on sustainability, operational improvements, inflight entertainment, and flight safety.
seating
VantageDUO brings a new concept to single-aisle business class cabins
Airlines have a new option for premium cabin seating where a flat bed may be too much to offer. The new Thompson Aero VantageDUO improves on the traditional single-aisle offerings, with similar pitch to traditional recliners but significantly greater levels of comfort, privacy, and personal space.
KLM launches Premium Comfort premium economy cabin
KLM formally introduced its Premium Comfort cabin this week, bringing a premium economy option to its long-haul fleet. The new seats, designed in partnership with Collins Aerospace, will be available for travel starting in July 2022 and eventually rolling out across the 777 and 787 fleets.
Emirates formally launches Premium Economy cabin sales
Emirates is (finally, again) ready to sell its premium economy seats. The carrier now operates six aircraft with the seats on board. That’s enough for the first three routes to launch later this summer, with more to come as further aircraft retrofits occur.
Air France brings suite doors to 777-300ER business class cabin
Air France plans to retrofit a dozen 777-300ER aircraft, including a new business class seat with privacy doors. The cabin retrofit is part of the carriers efforts to “move upmarket” and “offer its customers the best of France and take elegance to new heights.”
Shedding seats: Short-staffed short-hauler seeks schedule stability
Being short-staffed for summer schedules is not a unique problem for airlines. EasyJet’s approach to addressing it, however, is rather different from the others.
Allegiant goes Extra for legroom on board
Extra leg room is coming to Allegiant. For a price. The carrier will expand its “Allegiant Extra” offering (first trialed in 2019) significantly across the fleet.
Peek inside the Starlux A330neo
What awaits passengers on the new Starlux A330neo? The carrier recently shared photos of its new interiors, tipping some details.
Qantas confirms Project Sunrise; flights planned from 2025
Come the end of 2025 no two cities on earth will be too far apart for a nonstop flight. Qantas officially confirmed its plans to purchase A350-1000 aircraft in an ultra-longhaul configuration capable of flying from Sydney to London or New York City or anywhere else on earth without a stop on the way. The carrier will eventually take delivery of a dozen planes for this effort.
Norse Atlantic’s four inaugural routes on sale
Norse Atlantic will bring its 787 “Longships” across the Atlantic Ocean beginning in June. The carrier formally launched its first four transatlantic routes, with New York City, Los Angeles, and Florida connecting to Oslo from this summer.